3 arrested in Cordova drug bust

CEBU, Philippines -  The Regional Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force arrested three men and seized drugs worth P400,000 during an operation in Barangay Poblacion, Cordova town yesterday morning.

Roquilan Quirong, 34, was arrested after he allegedly sold a medium-sized pack of shabu worth P10,000 to an operative during a buy bust around 5 a.m.

Inspector Joey Bicoy, the team leader, said Roquilan's neighbors had complained about his alleged illegal activities and they became alarmed upon seeing several armed men in the area. Fearing for their lives, the neighbors told barangay officials about their concern who, in turn, relayed the information to RAIDSOTG.

Bicoy said they conducted surveillance at the area for two weeks and confirmed the information.

They also found out that a minor, a live-in partner of Roquilan's younger brother, also assisted in selling the drugs. The minor was also arrested during the operation.

Police also recovered a .22 pistol from Roquilan's father, Orlando, 54, who was present during the buy bust. The father was also arrested.

 Bicoy said no proceeds of a sale were recovered because according to the suspect, he is yet to remit on Friday.

Aside from the subject of the sale, police also recovered five other medium sized packs and 120 small packs of suspected shabu worth P143,000.

Bicoy said the suspect allegedly catered to clients in the coastal areas in Cordova and the neighboring areas.

The arrested men were brought to RAIDOSTG office at Police Regional Office-7 for custodial investigation and are currently detained at the Fuente Police Station.

Roquilan will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 while his father will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions. Police are still assessing the kind of charge to be filed against the minor. — JMO (FREEMAN)